Instructional staff changes

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The following is an important message from Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School principal, William Rivers:

I’m writing to update you on several important staffing changes here at Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School.

French

As you are aware, Rebecca Philippone, resigned from her position in January. A new teacher, Amy Bentley, has been hired and approved by the Board of Education and begins on Monday, March 14. Bentley has more than 20 years of classroom experience and we look forward to engaging students through interactive lessons focused on language acquisition.

Grade 7 ELA

Caitlin Distasio has resigned from her position at the end of February. The interview process is complete and the new candidate will be approved by the Board of Education on March 17 with an expected start date of March 21.

In the meantime, a co-teacher - in collaboration with the Grade 7 ELA team - is providing lesson plans and assignments. The co-teachers (Belinda Mackay for 2 periods and Renee Meade for 1 period) are leading the classes with support from a building substitute. A daily substitute is leading the 2 periods where we have been unable to assign a co-teacher. Our Literacy Coach, Jen Pryor, is grading and entering completed assignments and Distasio’s grade 6 AVID class has been taken over by a trained AVID teacher, Katrina Carstarphen.

Grade 7 social studies

Dylan Cordaro has resigned effective March 9. The district is conducting interviews to fill that position next week and will have a replacement as soon as the hiring process allows.

Thank you for your patience and understanding through these transitions. As always, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to email me at wrivers@albany.k12.ny.us.